Cook County Sheriff's Office (CCDOC) - Main Facility Illinois: Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
The Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) Main Facility is one of the largest single-site county pre-detention facilities in the United States. It primarily houses pre-trial detainees and serves as the main jail for Cook County, Illinois.
Contact Information
- Address: 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
- Phone: (773) 674-5100
- Website: Cook County Sheriff's Office - Department of Corrections
- Email: Not publicly available
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate, use the online Inmate Locator provided by the Cook County Sheriff's Office. You can search by name or booking number.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation is currently conducted through video visitation. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance through the Video Visitation System. On-site video visitation is available, as well as remote video visitation from home.
How to Send Money
There are several ways to send money to inmates:
- Online: Use Access Corrections
- By phone: Call 1-866-345-1884
- At kiosks: Located in the jail lobby
- By mail: Send money orders to Inmate Trust Fund, 2700 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Friends and family can set up accounts through GTL ConnectNetwork. Video visitation is available both on-site and remotely.
Inmate Services and Programs
CCDOC offers various programs including:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
History of the Facility
The Cook County Jail was established in 1831. The current main facility was built in 1929 and has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing inmate population.
Security and Management Information
The facility is managed by the Cook County Sheriff's Office. It employs a multi-tiered security system, including perimeter security, housing unit supervision, and internal movement control.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family visitation rights are subject to the facility's policies and schedules.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrival, inmates go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a medical screening. Release occurs after posting bond, case dismissal, or completion of sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
For on-site video visitation, you can bring a valid government-issued ID. No other items are allowed in the visitation area.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Inmates are typically allowed one free on-site video visit per week. Additional remote video visits can be scheduled for a fee.
Can I send packages to inmates?
No, personal packages are not accepted. All items must be purchased through approved vendors.
Famous Prisoners
- John Wayne Gacy - Serial killer arrested in 1978 for the murder of 33 young men and boys.
- Richard Speck - Mass murderer arrested in 1966 for killing eight student nurses.
- Frank Nitti - American gangster arrested multiple times in the 1930s for various crimes.
- Sam Giancana - Organized crime boss arrested in 1965 for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury.
- William Balfour - Convicted in 2012 for the murders of three members of singer Jennifer Hudson's family.
- Drew Peterson - Former police sergeant arrested in 2009 for the murder of his third wife.
- Rod Blagojevich - Former Illinois Governor arrested in 2008 on corruption charges.
- R. Kelly - R&B singer arrested in 2019 on federal charges including sexual exploitation of children.
- Larry Hoover - Gang leader arrested in 1973 for murder and later convicted on drug conspiracy charges.
- Jeff Fort - Gang leader arrested in 1987 for conspiring with Libya to perform acts of domestic terrorism.
